On Thursday 9 November, renowned French-Egyptian novelist Gilbert Sinoué will be speaking to Prof. Toni Aquilina, in an event dedicated to his literary work at M.A. Grima Hall, at 7:45pm, as part of the Malta Book Festival.

Sinoué’s works, which are considered to be “modern classics”, in the genre of the historical novel, will expose his experiences as an author, the themes that underpin his work and the importance of history, among other things.

Trained as a classical guitarist, Sinoué’s career as a writer begat at the age of 40, with his first published novel titled 'La Pourpre et l’olivier, ou Calixte 1er le pape oublié', which earned him the Jean d’Heurs prize for best historical novel. Two years later, 'Avicenne ou La route d'Ispahan' was published.

Since then, almost all of his published work falls under the genre of historical novel, which makes his work “very relevant” for the festival as the chosen theme this year is “the concept of truth in literature”.

The event will also feature selected readings of excerpts of the author’s work, as well as a Q&A session, involving the audience.

At 8:30pm, Sinoué will then be present at the stand of the French Embassy to sign copies of his work and talk to members of the public.